Vote for the Best Bassist – 2017 Loudwire Music Awards

In this 2017 Loudwire Music Awards category, we pay tribute to the bassists who’ve made a huge impact throughout the past year. These low-enders shook the floor at every concert and tested your stereo speakers with each note, so they make worthy contender for Best Bassist, presented by Hotel Indigo.

Anthrax delivered one of the most powerful albums of their career in 2016 with For All Kings, proving they don’t have to rest on their laurels as one of thrash’s legendary Big Four. Frank Bello’s bass playing is essential to Anthrax’s energy and groove, especially during live shows. He’s a ripping bassist and has performed phenomenally during Anthrax’s 2016 and 2017 tour dates.

Suffocation bassist Derek Boyer is an absolute monster. His highly technical playing and unconventional performance style has inspired death metal bassists since Boyer joined Suffo in 2004. Boyer continues his highly influential legacy with Suffocation’s 2017 full-length, …Of the Dark Light.

Rex Brown captivated fans with his debut solo album, Smoke On This…, in 2017. Having sung and committed guitar to the album, Brown also played bass across Smoke On This… Brown simply has a sense of groove and tonality that’s hard to come by in the rock and metal world.

Rancid bassist Matt Freeman is a truly underrated musician. Always ready to walk his bass lines around his bandmates, Freeman shines throughout Rancid’s 2017 studio album, Trouble Maker, and in the band's high energy concerts.

Steve Harris is the driving instrumental force behind Iron Maiden. As the iconic act’s bassist and lead songwriter, Harris is truly irreplaceable. At 61 years of age, he’s remained explosive and technically brilliant during Iron Maiden’s The Book of Souls tour, which took over the world these past two years.

With Royal Blood only consisting of two members, Mike Kerr has a lot of heavy lifting to do. Though he also plays guitar, piano and handles vocals, Kerr truly shines on bass. His playing has been essential to Royal Blood’s monumental rise and the band’s 2017 sophomore album, How Did We Get So Dark?